Businesses in Gainsborough could see more footfall generated in the town as a former factory is set to become the new home for a Lincolnshire firefighting museum.

There had been fears the RAF Museum of Firefighting based at RAF Scampton would be permanently closed after 14 years when volunteers were asked to vacate as part of plans for the 2017 Scampton Airshow.

But the attraction looks like it could be saved, with a planning application submitted to transfer the museum to the site of the old Eminox factory on North Warren Road.

Founder Steve Shirley, station fire officer at RAF Waddington, is now predicting a bright future and believes the forced decision to move to Gainsborough could prove a blessing in disguise.

Read More

He said: "We were always confident we could keep the museum going – we just needed to find a new home.

“It was public knowledge that we were on the lookout but it was then a security guard at the old Eminox site in Gainsborough got in touch to say that he was watching over an unused building. That’s what really what got the ball rolling.

“We were definitely grateful to Scampton as we knew we were always guests and as such, service needs must always take priority.

“While people were left disappointed we knew a difficult decision had to be made.”

An application has been made to West Lindsey District Council that would see the museum revived as well as the addition of a cafe and a memorabilia shop.

“Gainsborough would offer us so much potential,” said Mr Shirley.

“The building is bigger which means we could keep the whole collection under one roof which we haven’t been able to do before.

“It also gives us room for expansion, we could probably house 100 vehicles there when we only currently have 49.

“Gainsborough is an up-and-coming town in its own right. West Lindsey District Council have been really helpful as have other local businesses.”

(Image: Google Street View)

The decision of whether to grant the facility permission is yet to be made.

“It is being classed as a major project so it is taking considerably longer for a decision to be made,” he added.

“I am 99 per cent confident that it will happen and we will get the go-ahead.

“All being well I hope to have moved by the end of the year and then open early next year.”

(Image: Google Street View)

Should permission be granted it will mark the first time since its inception that the museum is operating without the RAF’s backing.

“I do have a slight worry,” said Mr Shirley.

“We have always been associated with the RAF and this, if it goes ahead, would be our first time away on our own.

"While the connection with the RAF would still be there we would be on our own.”